Madhya Pradesh Trip-3: Visit to Chitrakoot

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Watch the full video here Overview: I first heard about Chitrakoot while watching the TV series Ramayan in the 1980s. Then later read several books and heard from different people how important Chitrakoot is in Indian history. I reached Chitrakoot from Gwalior at around 4am in the morning, and I had booked the Retiring room at Chitrakoot Railway station for my accomodation. But unfortunately after reaching ChitrakootDham railway station, I found the Retiring room in a shabby conditon and in complete darkness. People were sleeping on the platform and there was nobody to guide me on the retiring room. So finally I decided to move out of the station and look for accomodation. I managed to get a single room just opposite the Railway station for Rs 800. There are several options for stay near the railway station, and since I had my next train past midnight, I preferred some place quite close so that I can just walk to the train station. I got freshened up and at around 7:30am, I ventured ou
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Suvarnamukhi and Thottikallu: Trekking along Bangalore’s outskirts

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Overview: I had done this as two separate trips but both the places are interconnected and can be done by trekking between the places. Lying just on the outskirts of Bangalore is Suvarnamukhi next to Bannerghatta National Park. While travelling towards Bannerghatta, there is a curve which leads to Bannerghatta National Park and there is a straight road just next to it which takes us to the Champakadhama temple. The temple is at the foothills and the complex is nice with a huge gopuram resembling temples of Tamil Nadu and once having darshan of the Lord, we can proceed towards Laxminarasimhaswamy temple for which we have to climb a rocky boulder with steps carved on it. The climb itself is not very taxing and can be easily done by people of all ages. the route takes us to a small temple enroute and then will lead us into the jungles of Bannerghatta. Its a nice walk with pilgrims walking alongside so there is not a sense of loneliness on the way. It is believed that this is home to a variety of bird species but we could not spot many as it was mid-day. On the way there is a trail of stones made into a circular path within which we can complete a round would yield us blessings. Further ahead we have the Suvarnamukhi pond after which the entire place is named. The pond is believed to have medicinal powers and there is a small temple as well. Here a lot of people can be seen having a dip in the holy waters and visiting the temple. The pilgrims usually complete this 4 km trek and head back towards Bannerghatta.
           
The more adventurous can take the onward route which takes us to Kagglipura on Kanakapura road passing through Thottikal falls and a small but beautiful village. The trek is of around 4 kms and will lead to the base of the falls. The waterfalls are great during the rains when there is plenty of water. There is a small temple as well after the falls dedicated to Muneeshwara swamy. On crossing the TK falls the road leads to Kagglipura through a village and farmlands which is pleasing to the eyes. This should make a complete day's trip.            



How to reach: There are frequent buses from Majestic, KR Market and Shivajinagar to Bannerghatta to reach Champakadhama temple. From Kagglipura again there are plenty of buses heading towards Majestic, KR Market, and Banashankari.  
Food/Accommodation: Not many options available for food. Its better to carry food and water from home.
Map: 


Comments

  1. Santosh Bs11 April 2012 at 13:21

    I have been around Bannerghatta area quite a lot of times but never been to Suvarnamukhi so far, will try this sometime soon.
    On one of our last trails, we went to the TK falls area, went upto the temple and walked along the riverbed for a little distance and returned back. (probably we lost where the falls was located)!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ranjana's craft blog11 April 2012 at 17:26

    Will plan to visit this place...thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karthik (Sp)12 April 2012 at 20:32

    Yeah TK Falls, had been there long back.. excellent place :)
    We had climbed up the waterfalls alonside the water :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. P.N. Subramanian20 April 2012 at 09:04

    Very interesting post.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous17 July 2012 at 18:56

    only in ful moon day r black moon day it wil be opened in this temple, every one has to see this powerful temple...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hai Baji28 February 2013 at 13:05

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hifazath9 April 2013 at 20:51

    our first trek in blore was to rayakottai fort...shall follow your blog and explore more places...great information...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Unknown2 August 2013 at 12:21

    Hi Good information to chillout with our family for 1 day...Keep posting such places in and around bangalore...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Unknown29 August 2013 at 15:37

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous9 September 2016 at 11:46

    I have been there recently. Nice place.. close to city. read my full review here http://goo.gl/RQDXhN

    ReplyDelete
  11. Niclov16 September 2018 at 01:58

    Anyway you travel, Las Marinas offers click this link here now guests an appealing goal for winter trekking occasions.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Amey5 July 2019 at 11:45

    For some reasons the pics are not loaded in any of your blog. but very well written.
    Bangalore Online Cabs

    ReplyDelete

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